In the second part of Camera Flash's story, the young photographer travels to Ponyville's prestigious art school. Along the way, he meets a musician who will change his life forever
Part two of the Camera Flash story arc.
Following the events of Heart to-Heart Between Father and Son, Camera Flash is moving to Ponyville to attend the town's prestigious art school. Here, Camera meets a certain musician who would go on to change his life forever.
It was a late-summer morning in Los Pegasus, and ponies were going about that their business as usual. Among them was a well-recognised family of earth ponies, appearing many times in Equestrian news. Projector, a yellow stallion in his mid-forties, was one of Equestria's most renowned filmmakers, while his wife Page Turner was a very successful writer. Finally, there was their son, a dark-orange pony with dark freckles named Camera Flash. Camera was going to travel to Ponyville to study at Equestria's most prestigious art school, second only to the Manehatten school of arts and Celestia's school for Gifted Unicorns. As the train pulled up onto the platform, Projector said, "well, I guess this is goodbye". "Yeah, I guess it is. I'll miss you guys," Camera replied, smiling at his parents. "We'll miss you too, Son, best of luck," Page said, her Germane accent peaking through. Camera then gave his parents a hug. "I love you guys," the young stallion said. "We love you too, Son, and remember to write us a letter when you get to Ponyville, okay", Page requested. "Oh, and if you see Film Reel there, say hi to the old guy for me, will you," Projector asked. Camera nodded in understanding. Film Reel was one of his dad's old friends, having met when Projector first came to Los Pegasus 20 years ago. He currently ran a video rental store in Ponyville and Camera knew the two hadn't talked in years.
....
Three hours later, Camera found himself staring out the window as the Equestrian countryside rolled past. A movie was playing on the large TV in the wall above him, but he found the film incredibly boring and had blocked it out with only the faintest idea that it was playing. Bored out of his mind, Camera took a look inside of his saddlebags. Inside were snacks of all kinds, his personal camera, along with three rolls of film to go along with it, and a book his father had left him entitled, Advice on homosexual relationships, by Sir Fancy Pants. Camera chuckled when he saw this, for he knew his dad had a penchant for having books of this nature. Leaning back, Camera began to drift asleep, with the sounds of the movie in the background.
After a few more hours, Camera was awoken by the sound of a voice on the intercom saying, "all passengers heading for Ponyville, we have arrived at our destination. Please be sure to collect all your belongings and be careful while departing from the train. Have a pleasant day".
With a yawn and a stretch, Camera got up from his seat and prepared to collect his saddlebags. Stepping off onto the platform, camera was met by the orangish-yellow light of the sun as it set. "Sweet Celestia, it is bright", Camera murmured, using his hoof to shade his eyes. Making his way across the platform, Camera began to search for a certain pony. "Hey Camera, over here", a female voice shouted from in front of him. Looking in that direction, he found who he was looking for, a dark-pink unicorn with an auburn-colored mane and tail, magenta colored eyes and a chef's hat for a cutie mark. This was Baker, Camera's cousin.
Camera trotted over to Baker, relieved at seeing her again. "Hiya Cous, how are you," Camera asked, giving Baker a hug. "I've been doing good, what about you", she asked. "Same, just worn out from that long train ride. Sheesh, can they make those seats any less comfortable," Camera said, rubbing his foreleg. Baker chuckled and replied, "yeah, I know how you feel, Camera. Anyway, welcome to Ponyville. I assume Uncle Projector explained your living arrangement"? Indeed, Projector had indeed told Camera that he would be staying with Baker for a time, just until he can actually get his own place. The two began walking through the town, all the while catching up. " So you're working at the Sugarcube corner now", Camera asked. "Hmm-hmm. After Mr and Mrs Cake retired, their children decided to start their own bakery in Fillydelphia, so Pinkie Pie and her husband began to run the place", Baker explained. Camera nodded and shifted the weight of his saddlebags. "So I see Uncle Projector is still doing his thing", Baker said jokingly. Camera smiled and laughed. It was a little joke between the two, as Projector was always a little eccentric, or as his brother had put it, "a walking encyclopedia that can also put together a decent movie". As the two walked, two ponies walked out of Sugarcube Corner. Camera looked over and saw it was Cheese Sandwich and Pinkie Pie, closing up for the night. Baker waved to them and yelled, " Hiya Mr and Mrs Sandwich". The two waved back and approached them. Now that he was closer to them, Camera noticed the baby bulge on Pinkie and how she seemed tired, but happy. "Oh, so this is the cousin you were talking about," Cheese said, walking over to Camera. "Hey, uh, did we meet once before, because I feel like I've seen you before," Camera asked, unsure as to whether or not he HAD done so. Cheese smiled and nodded "Yes, yes we did. Your father had wanted a special celebration for when you got your cutie mark. I must say, is your father always so knowledgeable", he asked. Camera smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, my dad's always like that", he replied. Cheese laughed and said, "well, none of that matters now, Baker spoke about you alot". Pinkie walked over and smiled. "Yeah, she sure did. Welcome to Ponyville, Camera", she said, shaking his hoof. "Well, I gotta take him home now, I'll see you guys at work", Baker said. Pinkie and Cheese nodded and walked away.
... "Well, welcome to my home", Baker said as she opened the door to the two story house. Like most houses in Ponyville, it was small, but cosy, with all the trappings of a modern home. "Nice place, Baker", Camera said, looking over the place. "Thanks, and I prepared the guest room for you, it is upstairs", Baker replied. Heading upstairs, Camera took a look at the guest room. The room was a relatively average sized room, with a large bed in the back, drawers and a closet for clothes, and a desk with a light. A door at a far end, when opened, led to a room for processing pictures. "Wow, this is a nice room," Camera thought out loud as he set his saddlebags on the bed.
Three hours later, exhausted, Camera made his way to his room. Opening the door, he collapsed on the bed and fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.
Dear Mom and Dad, I have finally arrived in Ponyville, and I have to say, this is a very lovely town. Everypony here is so friendly and nice, so different from Los Pegasus. Anyway, today marks the beginning of the semester and I'm looking forward to this next step. Say hi to my sister for me and Dad, thanks for the book. Love, Camera Flash.
Sealing the letter in a envelope and making sure it was properly sealed, Camera made a conscious decision to deliver it the post office before making his way to the campus. Afterwards, Camera made his way to the edge of town where the campus was. Standing atop a hill overlooking the town, the Ponyville Art school had a look similar to other campuses, with multiple buildings connected by paved walkways. The only exception was the water fountain in the center of it all, with a statue of a rather regal looking stallion with a monocle and a paintbrush controlled by magic. At the base of the statue was a plaque that read, " Sir Broad Stroke, founder of the Ponyville Art School, year 955 of the Celestial calendar".
" Hey, you, helloooo, anypony home", a voice called to him. Realizing that he had been gawking at the fountain, Camera turned to the pony, whom he now realized was a pegasus mare.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I was just so transfixed by that statue and", Camera began, but was cut off by the mare.
"Yeah, well, orientation is about to start, come on," she told him, motioning towards the auditorium.
Five minutes later, Camera found himself seated in the third row of a massive auditorium, filled to the brim with ponies. Out of the corner of his eye, Camera thought he saw a stallion glance at him from the opposite end of the row, but when he turned to look back, the stallion was staring ahead.
How strange, he thought.
His thoughts were interrupted by a mare on the stage, welcoming the the students to the new semester. What followed was a long, boring speech about what the school stands for, the rules, and so on and so forth. Again, out of the corner of his eye, Camera saw the same stallion staring at him, but then quickly turn away as soon as he had realized Camera had seen him.
After what seemed like an eternity, the students were allowed to go to their respective classes, whatever those classes might be. Being that this was an art school, the classes were mainly divided into art, film, photography, and music, along with their respective sub-studies. Camera was attending the photography class, and as he walked into the class, he caught the pony that had been staring at him walk into the music classroom. huh, he's actually kind of cute, Camera thought as he sat down.
In the music class, a dark blue stallion unicorn sat, only half-listening to what the teacher was saying. He had other things on his mind, or should he say, other ponies, in mind. Who was that stallion sitting at the other end of the row, and gosh, why was he so attracted to him? So deep in his thoughts, the stallion didn't hear when the teacher said, " Mr. Melody light, are you listening,"? Shaken from his train of thought, Melody looked up at the teacher.
"Yes Sir, I'm listening," he half-lied.
Seeming satisfied, the teacher returned to his lecture on the basic fundamentals of music.
The first day of actual classes was, as Camera put it, very unappealing. Oh sure, there was the initial excitement of starting college life and whatnot, but the classes themselves reminded him alot of high school, and nopony wanted to remember those. As Camera walked down the hall to the school cafeteria, he saw that stallion again, this time walking out of the classroom. Being able to look closer, Camera finally got some important details, like the stallion's dark blue coat, his slightly messy, but still stylish, mane, musical note cutie mark, and his eyes... sweet Celestia, his eyes, they were emerald green and seem to compliment his appearance well. Suddenly, the stallion caught Camera's stare and froze. Time seemed to stop at that moment as the two stared at each other, the silence being very difficult to break. Clearing his throat, Camera said, "Hello, my name is Camera Flash, what's yours"?
"My name is... my name i-is, Melody-Melody Light", the other replied, smiling shyly.
Gosh, that is adorable, Camera thought. "Well, its a pleasure to meet you, Melody, want to sit by me at lunch", Camera asked.
Melody's eyes seemed to brighten and he replied, "S-sure, I'd l-love that".
The two stallions then walked together to the campus' cafeteria, and after ordering their food, sat down at one of the smaller tables.
"So, Melody, are you new here too", Camera asked, taking a sip of his soda.
"Oh, oh, um, no, actually, this i-is my sec-second year he-here", Melody replied.
Nodding with understanding, Camera took a moment to consider his next question. "I see you're taking the musical classes. Do you mind if I ask what kind of music you play". Camera asked.
"Well, um, I-I mostly d-do rock mu-music, b-but I do o-other genres a-as well", Melody stammered back.
Oh man, what if he rejects me because of my speech impediment, the young unicorn thought.
"ooh, that sounds great, I bet you're good at it", Camera replied, smiling.
"Oh, I-I'm not t-that good", Melody replied, taking a bite out of his hay burger.
"Don't sell yourself short. I know alot of ponies who say they aren't good, but they're actually really talented", Camera offered, finishing his burger.
Wow. Even though we just met, he inspires alot of confidence in me. Somehow, I feel.. better just by being around him, and that smile of his, it is so cute the way he does it, Melody thought.
This stallion, even though he's shy, he's very sweet, and now that I'm up close, my gosh is he cute, Camera smiled thoughtfully.
Fortunately, the day was going to be a bit short, being the first day of the semester and all. As Camera began making his way back to his cousin's, he felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning around, he saw Melody smiling shyly at him.
"H-hey, Camera, y-you want to meet up s-sometime," Melody asked.
Smiling back, Camera replied, "Sure, even though we just met, I kinda consider you the first friend I've made here".
Melody felt his heart warm up at the sound of that.
I'm the first friend he ever made here, wow, Melody thought.
Camera patted his new-found friend on the shoulder and headed back home, all the while Melody just stared, shocked that the one stallion he'd been crushing on ever since he got here considered him his friend
Ah, Saturdays, that one time of the week where ponies could just relax and, well, let loose. Especially college ponies, and Camera was no exception to this. Melody, on the other hoof, wasn't exactly a social stallion, and was deathly afraid of going to parties.
"O-oh, c-come on, C-Camera, y-you can't e-expect me t-to go to a p-party," Melody objected panicky.
Camera couldn't help but chuckle slightly. In the week since he and Melody first met, the two had become bonded, and Camera was well aware of Melody's social anxiety. Wanting to help his friend come out of his shell was the primary reason for his asking to go the party.
"Come on, you can't stay cooped up here practicing your music all the time, you need to get out and have some fun. Don't worry, I'll be right beside you," Camera said encouragingly.
Melody stood in his doorway, considering whether or not he should go. While it is true he shouldn't stay cooped up most of the time, he still felt a wave of nervousness and fear hit him as he thought about what it would be like at a event not even his parents could convince him of attending.
Sighing, Melody's ears drooped and he agreed to go. "Great, this is going to be awesome, let's go", Camera replied, grinning.
The two left Melody's home and made their way to the party, an air of silence between them. For the most of the journey, the only sounds came from nighttime critters and the breathing of the stallions. With Camera leading the way, Melody found himself constantly staring at Camera's butt as they walked.
Sweet Celestia, I just can't stop staring at Camera's plot, my FRIEND's plot. Geez, get a grip on yourself, Melody, the unicorn thought, his mind racing and his face heating up.
"Well, here we are", Camera announced, breaking Melody's train of thought.
Looking up, and still blushing, Melody finally saw where they're journey led them: a jazz club with the sign The Tasteful Stallion.
"A j-jazz c-club", Melody asked, surprised that Camera had chosen such an unusual spot.
"Yeah, well, I figured that this being your first time doing this, you should be exposed to something a little more moderate in order to help you get a feel for it. That, and, I actually love jazz", Camera replied, blushing and rubbing the back of his neck.
You chose this because you were concerned for me? Oh my gosh, that is so sweet, Melody thought, pleasantly surprised.
The duo walked into the club, and Melody was somewhat surprised, as the club was mostly covered in a soft blue light, with tables laid out in a neat, orderly fashioned. Towards the right was a rather extensive bar and a stage was set up towards the back.
"I never knew you liked jazz", Melody said with a sly grin.
"Well, my mother was always fond of the style, though she mainly preferred the old Germane artists", Camera explained.
"Huh, well, you did tell me your parents had a extensive taste in music", Melody replied thoughtfully, recounting what Camera had told him over the past week.
"Hey, Camera, Melody, over here", a voice called.
Turning to see who it was, Melody saw that the voice belonged to a rather pretty pink unicorn mare, with magneta eyes, her brunette mane pulled back into a bun, a blue scarf wrapped around her neck, and a chef's hat for a cutie mark.
"Hey, Cous, glad to see you here", Camera called, smiling.
Baker smiled and proceeded to hug her cousin.
"I'm glad you were able to come, and with your friend nonetheless", Baker replied, smiling before turning to Melody.
"H-hello, my n-name i-is, M-Melody L-Light," Melody greeted, shyly smiling.
"My name is Baker, pleasure to meet you," she replied, shaking his hoof.
Returning to their seats, Melody noticed that three other ponies were seated; one mare, and two stallions. Baker seated next to the one of the stallions, who then proceeded to kiss her softly. The other stallion had his arm around the shoulder of the one other mare, who smiled at the small exchange.
"Well howdy there, glad y'all two could show", the one other mare, a green earth pony with freckles and bright purple eyes said.
The stallion next to her, a bulky brown earth pony, merely nodded his response. Baker giggled and said, "Melody, Camera, these are my friends, Rose Garden, her husband, Thornbush, and of course, my lovely coltfriend, Prep Time".
She referred to the stallion next to her, a bluish-grey unicorn.
Melody smiled and couldn't help but think about how lucky those stallions are to have such beautiful mares by their side. "I-it's a p-pleasure t-to m-meet all of y-you". he responded.
"It is no problem, any friends of Baker are friends of ours", Thornbush replied, his voice somewhat gruff.
"So, Camera, Melody, how are you liking the school", Prep Time asked.
"Well, the first week wasn't too bad, mostly introductory courses and whatnot", Camera replied.
"I'm sorry, but can you please not stutter, its driving me crazy", Prep Time asked, annoyed.
"PREP TIME! You can't just ask a pony not to stutter, Melody can't help it", Baker exclaimed, shocked at the rudeness of her coltfriend.
"What, I can't stand it when ponies stutter, can they just learn not to", Prep Time said.
With a loud hmph, Baker replied, "no, Prep, its not that simple. Alot of ponies suffer from speech impediment, you can't tell ponies to stop something they can't help".
Suddenly feeling the weight of it all come onto him, Melody got up and said, "I-I'm s-sorry, h-he's r-right, I-I'll j-just l-leave now".
He then walked out the door before anypony could say anything.
"Wow, nice job, Prep, way to be a jerk", Baker said, venom dripping in her voice.
"I'll-I'll go check up on him", Camera explained, feeling the need to not only leave the hostile space, but also to check up on his friend.
...
From the time he walked out, Melody ran back home, as fast as his legs could go. Tears clouded his vision and he was pretty sure he was crying, but none of that mattered now. Melody felt humiliated, embarrassed by his speech impediment. I'm sorry, but can you please not stutter. That thought and the ensuing fight raced through his mind.
"MELODY! WAIT", a familiar voice called out to him.
Stopping, Melody turned around and through tear-stricken eyes, he saw Camera raced towards him.
"Melody, are you-" Camera was about to ask but stopped when he saw the condition his friend was in.
Melody looked like he had been crying for a long time, his eyes were puffy and the remains of tear streams were left on his face. Feeling a pang of sadness and sympathy hit him, Camera said softly, "I'm sorry about what happened back there".
Sniffing, Melody replied, " Oh, w-what d-does it m-matter, C-Camera. I'm n-never g-going to fi-fit e-end".
Hearing his friend choke up and sound so distressed, Camera walked over to Melody and drew him into a tight hug. Melody returned the hug and proceeded to cry on Camera's shoulder. ....
Baker had never been angrier in her life. Sure, she got frustrated and even flustered sometimes whenever a recipe goes wrong, or when dealing with a idiotic and disrespectful customer; but never did she consider her own coltfriend, a pony whom she loved and respected, would be so rude and disrespectful to another pony. Especially when that pony was clearly shy and was trying to be friendly.
"Baby, please, I didn't mean to-" Prep began, but not before Baker cut him off.
"Save it, Prep. Ya know, I never thought in a million years you'd be mean to a pony like Melody", Baker replied, gritting her teeth.
The two were standing outside the club now, and even though it was cool outside, Baker couldn't have felt any warmer.
"Oh come on, Baker, Melody was talking too slow and I wasn't in the mood for constant stuttering", Prep responded, his expression souring.
Baker rolled her eyes and groaned. "Still, that's no reason to be a jerk to other ponies", she said.
"Now, you're going to apologise to Melody right now, or Celestia help me, I'm going to make sure you'll stay in the dog house a LONG TIME", Baker continued, adding extra emphasis to the LONG TIME bit.
"Fine, I'll do it", Prep growled.
"Excellent, but you'll still be in the dog house for a bit", Baker replied, a mischievous grin on her face.
Sometime had passed since that fateful night at the jazz club, and just as Baker had told him to do, Prep had apologised, albeit reluctantly, to Melody. By now, the weather had become much colder, with the leaves of many trees covering the streets. Camera had always found the Fall weather to be especially beautiful, and had put together quite a collection of Fall-related pictures. Many times he had shown Melody his photo albums, which the unicorn had always found both impressive and fascinating. Of course, there was the added bonus of seeing his best friend get all giddy over something he was excited about, which Melody couldn't help but find adorable.
The two now enjoyed a rather close friendship, which caused some to question whether or not they were a couple. This line of thinking was understandable, however, due to the matter in which they interacted, even looked at each other. Even Baker had, on a few occasions, asked whether or not Camera and Melody were more than friends, to which Camera always replied, "No, Baker, Melody and I aren't seeing each other, we're just good friends".
One Thursday, while on their way back home, Camera suddenly realized that he didn't know when Melody's birthday is. Turning to his best friend, Camera asked, "Hey, Melody, when is your birthday"?
"M-my b-birthday is O-October 24-24th", Melody replied, "w-when's y-yours"?
"August 12th", Camera answered.
Melody nodded with approval before continuing, "T-that's th-this S-Saturday".
Camera merely made a acknowledging sound in his throat as he considered what to do for Melody's birthday, wondering how best to spend it.
"Hey, how do you normally spend your birthdays", Camera asked after a long period of silence.
"We-well, n-normally, my f-family a-and I w-would have a s-smaller p-arty, s-since I wa-was so anx-anxious a-about big cele-celebrations", Melody explained.
Camera took this all in consideration. He was kinda expecting Melody to be used to big parties, due to his parents being famous musicians and all. However, Camera reasoned a smaller celebration made sense, giving Melody's social anxiety and distaste for parties that are large and loud.
"H-however, in-in the two y-years I-I've been h-here, no-nopony from t-the u-university h-has as-asked me ab-about my b-birthday. So, n-normally, my p-parents come u-up he-here for my birth-birthday", Melody continued, interrupting Camera's train of thoughts.
"So, can I expect to meet your parents? I mean, they sound like great parents if they're willing to travel a long way for their son's birthday", Camera asked.
Melody turned his head to Camera, smiled, and replied, "y-yes, but exp-expect D-dad to do a-all the tal-talking".
"What do you mean, your dad does all the talking, what about your mother", Camera asked, confused.
The silent DJ, but that could only mean, Camera realized.
"Melody, you're parents are the DJ Duo themselves, Vinyl and Neon Light", he asked, surprised.
Melody turned around and raised an eyebrow. "W-well, ye-yeah, that's kin-kinda obvious".
Camera smiled sheepishly, realizing how dumb he was for never piecing together the puzzle. "Y-yeah, my apologies, Bud. Still, I would like to do something for you for you birthday, assuming your folks would be fine with that", Camera replied.
"Tha-thanks, Cam-Camera, but I woul-wouldn't want to in-inconvenience y-you", Melody insisted.
"Well, you're my friend, Melody, and it won't inconvenience me in anyway", Camera replied, smiling.
Melody said nothing for a minute, as he thought about it. "W-well, th-there is some-something yo-you can do", Melody began.......
...
Meanwhile
Neon and Vinyl Lights sat in the luxury compartments of the Ponyville Express. While not as exquisite or fine as the trains in places like Germane, Prance and Trottingham, the Ponyville Express was still a very pleasant experience. Though, if the two were to be honest, things like this never really mattered, as long as you were doing what you loved. Right now, Vinyl was resting her head on Neon's shoulder, her slow breathing being one of the few sounds in the booth. Neon smiled at the beautiful mare before him, remembering all the crazy stuff they've been through over the years. Of course, "crazy" couldn't begin to describe his relationship with Vinyl, and her great sense of parties and the music scene. Those wild days of countless parties and being referred to by the media as The DJ Lovers were over, as both were living in semi-retirement. The bump of the train suddenly woke Vinyl, and she opened her eyes, yawning as she did so. Neon smiled at her and she smiled back. "Good morning, Beautiful", Neon said, kissing Vinyl softly.
Good morning too, Handsome, Vinyl signed with her hoof. She then proceeded to nuzzle Neon's neck, which prompted the stallion to giggle gleefully.
"So, you ready for Ponyville, Hon", Neon asked, straightening up.
Vinyl nodded and signed, Yeah, I look forward to seeing Melody again.
"I know, I hope he's managed to get out of his shell a bit," Neon said, sighing.
Truth be told, neither one had much hope for this, as Melody wasn't the type of pony who easily went out and socialized, which is why he never showed up to big events.
I hope so too, Neon, Vinyl signed back.
....
back in Ponyville
"So, here it is, Film Reel's video/DVD rental and purchasing store", Camera said aloud.
In front of him stood a store much like every other store in Ponyville, with its colorful roof and paint, along with a somewhat simple electronic sign on the front. Walking in, Camera saw several rows of DVDs, with each row marked with a sign displaying its genre.
"Hellooo, how may I helppp youuu", a voice called out.
Camera looked up to the counter and saw a green unicorn stallion, with a bluish gray mane, blue eyes, and a film reel for a cutie mark.
"Hey, do I know you, you look familiar, hmm", the unicorn said, rubbing his chin with his hoof.
"Film Reel, its me, Camera Flash", Camera replied.
Suddenly, Film's eyes lit up and he grinned. "Camera Flash?! Its a pleasure to see you again, my Celestia, you have grown", Film stated excitedly, coming over to meet the young earth pony.
"Yeah, pleasure to see you again too. Dad told me to say hi to ya", Camera replied.
"He did, didn't he? How is your dad by the way," Film asked.
"Oh, Dad's good, he's now the director of the Royal Equestrian Director's Guild", Camera explained.
"Heh, just like him to pursue all the big goals. So, my boy, what brings you here", Film replied.
"Well, I cam here to purchase a film for my... friend," Camera began, "and I was hoping you could help".
"Hmm", Film stroked his chin, "and what exactly is he looking for"?
"Oh, he likes musicals", Camera replied.
"Hmm, I'm pretty sure I have some, follow me. La la la la la la la la", Melody replied, trotting down the rows.
Huh, he really is eccentric, thought Camera, following Film.
Melody Light stood at the platform, his head bobbing in rhythm to Euromanein dance music. As he listened to the music, he couldn't help but think about his friend, Camera Flash. Something he had been doing more and more often, as Melody had realized one evening. As much as he tried to, Melody couldn't push the image of Camera out of his mind and the flurry of emotions the unicorn felt. Practically everyday, Melody found himself staring at Camera, admiring the way he moved and there was just so many things to like. Melody smiled as he thought about it, though this feeling was crushed when he thought, But, there's no way Camera likes me back, does he? I mean, would anypony, be they mare or stallion, would want to date a stuttering fool like me? The appearance of a train in the distance broke Melody out of his thoughts, and he proceeded to turn his Ipod off. Whatever thoughts he had of Camera were put aside as the train stopped at the platform, and in a crowd of ponies came two older unicorns. "M-Mom, D-Dad", Melody called out to them and the two smiled and came up to him.
Neon Lights grinned and pulled his son in for a hug. "How are you doing, Melody", he asked.
He then turned to his mother, who smiled and hugged him as well before signing, we missed you so much, Melody.
"I-I've miss-missed you to-too", Melody replied, grinning.
"Well, let's get ourselves settled in and we can discuss party plans", Neon said, the three unicorns making their way through town.
...
Film's shop
"Do you ever wonder we're all just fictional characters, our lives being constantly monitored by shadowy figures, and that everything we say and do is just the actions of some unknown entity", Film asked Camera as the two walked through the musical section.
Taken aback by this question and very confused, Camera asked, "um, why do you ask"?
Film Reel shrugged and replied, "oh, its nothing, just something Pinkie Pie asked me a few days ago, it was rather fascinating".
"Oh, I bet it was," Camera muttered.
Camera looked at the various DVDs on the shelf. Most were relatively new, released within the last five years or so, though he was surprised to find a number of new releases, and even some classical films from the last thirty, even forty years. "lalalalallala, ohhhh, here we go", Film cooed eagerly.
Film Reel levitated a DVD with his magic and showed it to Camera. Taking a look at it, Camera could tell it was a somewhat older film, if only by seven or eight years, but it was in great condition and even better, the film was of a franchise Melody had said was his favorite.
"Film, this is great, my friend is going to love it," Camera shouted eagerly.
Film chuckled and brought it over to the register. "Can I assume this is a purchase", he asked, grinning.
Camera nodded and gave Film the appropriate amount of bits, then walked out of the store with movie in toll. Film watched the young stallion walk out and after he did so, he turned to a seemingly random spot on the wall. "Ah, young love, what can I say? The colt's clearly got a thing for his friend", he said to the spot. Silence.
"Oh, come on, don't give me that, Spoty. I know he said he was his friend, but i could tell that Camera liked him", Film replied, only to have once again, silence.
"Yeah, you're right, we should wait and see how this turns out before making a bet", he said, winking at something unknown in the distance.
Using her magic, Baker lifted the still steaming tray of treats from the oven and placed them on the counter. Today is going to be a really busy day, she sighed internally. With Cheese and Pinkie in the hospital awaiting the baby, Baker found herself running Sugarcube Corner all by herself. She looked up as the doorbell chimed and she trotted over to the counter to see who it was.
"Hiya Cous," Camera called, smiling.
"Camera, wasn't expecting you here today, what can I do for you?" Baker asked, her tone friendly and polite.
"Hey, uh, I have a favor to ask of you", Camera replied, smiling sheepishly and a tint of a dark shade of pink appeared on his face.
"Huh-huh, what sort of favor?" Baker asked, raising her eyebrow.
"Well, Melody's birthday is tomorrow, and I would like you to make him a cake", Camera answered.
Ah, he really does like Melody, a friend wouldn't blush like that, Baker mused, chuckling to herself.
"Alright, sure, what kind of cake are we talking about?" she asked aloud.
Camera's eyes lit up and he couldn't help but grin. Baker wrote down the instructions Camera had for the cake on her notepad, considering measurements and costs as she did so. Suddenly, the doorbell chimed again and Baker looked up to see Cheese walk in, looking exhausted.
"Mr. Sandwich, good to see you again, how's Pinkie?" Baker asked.
"Oh, she's fine, just really tuckered out from delivering the baby, as all. She asked me to see how things are here", Cheese replied, smiling tiredly.
He then turned to Camera and said, "heya, Camera, what's up?".
Camera chuckled and replied, "oh, not alot, just doing some stuff for a friend".
"Ah, excellent, excellent. Well, looks like everything here is excellente, so I'll be heading back to my Miss Super duper party pony", Cheese replied, grinning.
.....
Melody's home
"So, Son, I see you have come out of your shell a bit", Neon said, as he, Vinyl, and Melody sat in the living room couch.
Melody nodded and replied, "Y-yeah, it wa-was par-partially du-due to th-this gr-great stall-stallion I met who's su-super nice a-and..."
The young unicorn paused when he saw his parents looking at each other, slyly smiling. It was then Melody realized his face felt warm and was probably a shade of purple.
"This stallion of yours, you wouldn't happen to have a crush on him, would ya?" Neon asked, grinning.
Melody's eyes widened and his face definitely turned a deep shade of purple. "N-No I don't", he cried.
It's alright, Melody, I felt the same way I met a really cute, and dare I say, sexy stallion, Vinyl signed, eyeing Neon.
"M-MOM", Melody yelled, his ears folding back.
Neon chuckled and straightened his tie. "We're just messing with you, Melody", he stated, chuckling.
What is his name, if you don't mind us asking, Vinyl signed.
"C-Camera F-Flash", Melody replied.
Neon, confused, turned to his wife and asked, "Camera Flash? Is he related to Projector Flash, the director?"
As I recall, Projector does have a son, though he isn't quite as big as he was 17 years ago, she signed back.
"Y-yes, Cam-Camera is Pro-Projector's s-son", Melody interjected.
"Ah, well, I would like to meet him. Must be a really great guy if he's your best friend", Neon replied.
Yeah, he really is, Melody thought sadly.
...
Later
Camera Flash sat in his room with a quill in hoof as he wrote down the letter for his parents. However, unlike before when it was easy to write down what he wanted to say, he now found himself simply unable to write, as if a terrible strain of writer's block had gotten to him. Sighing, he put the quill down and began rubbing his temples with his hooves. He knew what he wanted to write down, but simply was unable to concentrate due to constantly thinking of..him. Melody, the one pony he knew wouldn't see him as weird or secretly talked about him behind his back. Baker and his parents were the sole exceptions to this, even so, Melody was the only non-relative Camera really trusted. That, and, he really liked him, and it wasn't like Camera didn't think Melody thought the same way. Many a times, Camera had caught Melody looking at him and was clearly interested. But why me, Camera thought, Melody is a really great stallion, he deserves better than some guy who couldn't even hold a relationship with somepony for more than two weeks. He sighed as he thought about it. To be fair, those relationships were with mares he didn't really like and alot of them only wanted to date him for his status as a celebrity's son, but still, Camera couldn't help but feel that Melody deserved far better than him. Suddenly, a knock at the door could be heard, forcing Camera out of his thoughts. Opening the door, Camera was surprised to see Melody at the door, with a somewhat solemn expression on his face.
Camera was surprised to see Melody at the door, but was even more surprised to see the look on his face and the way he asked if they could have a talk. What's going on here, he wondered. "Um, okay, sure, wanna come in?" Camera asked.
Melody nodded and walked into the apartment, looking around. The apartment was simple, with cheap rent for young college students, but also had the comfort a normal home has. The majority of the apartment had a rather pleasant light/dark brown combination, with some variations in tone. "Would you like something to drink?" Camera asked as he made his way to the kitchen.
"j-just some t-tea w-would be fine", Melody replied.
Camera nodded and about half an hour later, he brought out two cups of tea and a small pile of sugar packets. Melody accepted the tea and took a careful sip, trying not to burn his tongue on the insanely hot liquid. Camera sat down and began sipping his own cup.
"So, what is it you wanted to talk about," Camera asked, setting his cup down.
Melody sighed, holding the cup in his hooves. "C-Camera, I-I've been mea-meaning t-to ask y-you, w-would you d-date some-somepony with a stu-stuttering pro-problem?" he began.
Camera felt his heart race a bit and wondered if this is what he thought it was. "Well, I mean, I figure if I care about somepony, it wouldn't matter if they stuttered or not, I'd love them no matter what", he replied thoughtfully.
He then turned to Melody and asked, "why you ask?"
Melody smiled sadly and replied, "C-Camera, y-you won't h-hate me f-for as-asking this, r-right?"
Camera blinked and reaching over to comfort his friend, he replied, "Melody, no matter what, I'm your friend, and I won't hate you for asking a question".
"P-Pinkie Pro-Promise?", Melody asked, his eyes filled with hope.
Camera, knowing full well of the famed Pinkie Promise, placed his hoof over his heart and replied, " Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye".
Melody smiled and began, "C-Camera, h-how wo-would you f-feel i-if you kn-knew your b-best fri-friend likes you?"
Camera realized the implications of what he asked: Melody did HAVE a crush on him. Oh Melody...
The unicorn's eyes filled with tears and he asked, "y-you h-hate me n-now, do-don't you? I-its okay, I-I'd hate my-myself too, m-my st-stuttering, use-useless s-self?"
Alarmed, Camera quickly pulled Melody into a hug and he felt his heart break as Melody cried on his shoulder.
"Melody.... you are not useless, you're one of the sweetest ponies I've ever known, and who cares if you stutter, that's just part of who you are, what makes you YOU", Camera said as he comforted Melody.
Melody sniffed and pulled away from his friend's embrace. A moment of silence had fallen between the two, Camera staring into Melody's tear-stricken eyes. It was then Melody felt something unexpected: Camera's lips upon his. Camera was softly kissing him, and Melody, too shocked to kiss back, stared in awe. Camera pulled away, smiling sadly and sighing.
"Ya know, I never thought you'd want to be with a pony like me", Camera said.
"W-why wouldn't any-anypony?" Melody asked, confused and still surprised by the kiss.
Camera sighed and continued, "Melody, when I was in school, all the mares wanted to date me, not because of my personality or who I am as a pony, but because I was the Director's son, the celebrity. As such, every mare I ever dated only wanted me because of my status, and it didn't help that I felt no attraction to them at all. Time after time, I was dumped after two weeks, and each time I felt a piece of me go away. You deserve better, Melody, not some guy who can't even maintain a relationship for two weeks".
Oh Camera.., Melody thought and he brought Camera into a tight hug.
"C-Camera, I-I don't c-care about a-all that. T-To me, y-you are one o-of the be-best guys out there. W-when I-I'm aro-around you, I f-feel like I c-can be my-myself, b-be mo-more confident in my-myself. Y-you've h-helped me i-in m-more ways th-than y-you can ima-imagine", Melody said.
Camera pulled back from the hug and smiled. "You're a real sweetheart, ya know that?" he asked.
Melody giggled and kissed Camera quickly. Camera, taking the initiative, kissed him again and this time made it longer, more passionate. The two stallions were like this for what seemed like eternity, stopping only to catch their breaths. After about an hour of making out, the two stallions decided they had enough of one session and proceeded to cuddle on the couch. Melody rested his head on Camera's chest, smiling blissfully.
Melody trotted down the road, feeling better and happier than he had in years. He had done it, and even got the best case scenario out of the deal. After 15 minutes of a brisk trot, he arrived at his home. Opening the door, he was somewhat surprised to see his parents weren't in the living room, though it was reasonable that they had went to bed. Careful so as to not wake them up, Melody closed the door and hung up his scarf and coat. Normally, he would practice music at night, but decided against it, due to him having guests. So instead, he chose to go straight to bed after a quick shower. However, Melody found it impossible to go to sleep, as the excitement from the day was still fresh in his mind. I did it, and wow... Camera sincerely likes me back, awwwwwww, he thought, giggling slightly.
The next day
"You seem to be in a really good mood this morning," said Neon, chuckling slightly.
Melody, you're normally not this excited, not even on birthday, Vinyl signed.
Melody chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. "Y-yeah, I g-guess I'm us-usually n-not," he replied.
Neon smiled at this, sipping his black coffee as he did so. Whatever what or who it was that caused Melody to be in such a good mood, Neon hoped it would be around for a long time.
"S-So, to-today, I-I wan-want to intro-introduce you to m-my"_ Melody suddenly realized he didn't know if he should refer to Camera as his coltfriend or just his friend, as the two didn't exactly made their relationship official.
"M-my f-friend," he finished.
Neon and Vinyl raised an eyebrow and, leaning forward, Neon asked, "Melody, are you sure he's just your friend?"
Melody felt his face heat up and his ears fold back. "W-well, n-not ex-exactly. W-we s-sorta j-just, ya kn-know, st-started," he replied, smiling shyly.
Neon's eyes lit up and he grinned. "Our boy's finally in love and I think we all know who that pony is," he said, grinning.
Melody chuckled and smiled sheepishly. Well, at least his parents would stop asking about why he was so happy, that was a relief.
.....
"AWWWWWWW! I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU COUS," Baker exclaimed, hugging Camera tightly.
Feeling like he was about to be squashed, he gasped, "B-Baker, I can't breathe."
She let him go, grinning. "I'm sorry, I'm just so happy for you. It was about time you and Melody confessed to each other," she said, levitating the cake to the counter.
Looking the cake over, Camera saw that it was a blue and white cake with the phrase Happy Birthday Melody written on it in blue icing.
The cake was decorated with tiny versions of stereo systems and looked very delicious.
"This cake is perfect, Baker, thanks", Camera said, satisfied with how the cake turned out.
"I'm glad you approve, and, oh, by the way, that'll be 1000 bits", Baker replied, grinning.
Camera's jaw dropped and he stared in shock, only to have Baker giggle and say, "I'm just messing with ya, Cous, it's actually 100 bits."
Feeling a sense of normality return to him, Camera chuckled and gave her the correct amount of bits. "Thanks, Baker, and I'll get you back for that joke, I hope you know," he said with a hint of playfulness.
"Oh, I would be sorely disappointed if you didn't. Anyway, have fun with your coltfriend," she replied, grinning.
...
That afternoon, Camera walked up to Melody's house, carrying both the gift and cake in his mouth. Knocking on the door, Camera found himself greeted by Vinyl Scratch, who at first seemed a bit confused as to who he was. To make matters worse, she signed something to him with her hooves which he couldn't understand. Suddenly, Melody appeared and a huge smile appeared on his face. "Cam-Camera, y-you ma-made it," the unicorn exclaimed, ushering him in.
Camera set the present and the cake on the kitchen table, and finally able to speak, turned to Melody and said, "Happy birthday, Melody.".
Melody smiled and turned to his parents. "M-Mom, D-Dad, th-this is m-my... coltfriend, Cam-Camera Fl-Flash," he said.
Camera then proceeded to kiss Melody on the cheek, causing him to giggle and prompting him to kiss Camera back.
"Oh, I don't think there's any doubt about it, you two are definitely a couple," Neon said, smiling.
Melody and Camera looked at each other and there was an unspoken, but very noticeable exchange: yeah, we're definitely a couple.
For the next few hours, the small group partied, playing games, ate cake and opened presents. Of course, there was the occasional kiss between Camera and Melody as well. At the end of the party, the four ponies got together for pictures. At one point, Vinyl suggested Camera and Melody got a photo together with just the two of them. Camera, who had been taking some photos anyway, nodded and went for it. Wrapping his foreleg around Melody's shoulder, and Melody leaning his head against him, Camera turned his camera around and took the picture. When he later put it in his album, he decided to title the picture, Photo of a Melody.